The Daniel Plan is unique because it is based on the Bible. It is based on God's best plan for our lives. And while change of any kind is never easy, it is a necessity for our emotional, physical, and spiritual health.

Making radical changes in our lives requires radical commitment, perseverance, and doing a lot of hard work on our hearts. Pastor Rick Warren teaches us about five key elements to make sure the changes that we make actually stick.

Lasting change requires building your life on the truth. Nothing will change permanently until you dig down to the bed-rock of truth about your life and God's purpose for it.

"If you continue to obey my teaching, then you are truly my followers. And you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free" John 8:31-32 (NCV)

Lasting change requires making wise choices. You won't change until you choose to change.

"Get rid of your old self, which made you live as you used to - the old self that was being destroyed by its deceitful desires. Your hearts and minds must be made completely new, and you must put on the new self, which is created in God's likeness" Ephesians 4:21-24 (TEV)

Lasting change requires new ways of thinking. If you want to change how you act, you must begin by changing how you feel.

"Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will." Romans 12:2 (NIV)

Lasting change requires God's Spirit in your life. You cannot change by willpower alone. You must have God's power.

"Why don't you choose to be led by the Spirit and so escape the erratic compulsions of a law-dominated existence?" Galatians 5:18 (MSG).

Lasting change requires honest community. The deepest changes in your life will only happen as you open up to a few trusted friends who will support you.

"It is not good for the man to be alone" (Genesis 2:18) NIV

Change Happens in Steps

Don't get discouraged if you hit bumps in the road. Change happens in steps and that means that bumps and setbacks will happen. The Daniel Plan is a program that teaches you to track your progress and see changes in your life gradually. When you make a mistake, don't beat yourself up. Use those mistakes as an opportunity to educate yourself on how to do better next time. You can learn from your mistakes and God can use them to change your life.

Ultimately, lasting change begins with committing your body to God. Your physical health sets the tone for all other aspects in your life - your spiritual health, your emotional health, your relational health, and your financial health. What you do with your body and how you treat it leads the way for overall healthy living.

God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.

- James1:12 NLT

Related Prayer

Dear God, sometimes my "testing" season seems so long. Please give me courage to endure until the end. Help me not to bail! You said you would bless me for hanging in there - I will not give up on you or your promises. You are with me and will see me through this trial.